Story of the match: England reach World Cup semi-finals with win against Sweden

England are in dreamland after making it through to their first World Cup semi-final in 28 years thanks to goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli against stoic Sweden.

Days after laying their penalty ghosts to rest against Colombia, Gareth Southgate’s men diligently went about their job in Samara to continue this extraordinary summer and bring the fantasy of replicating the heroes of 1966 closer to reality.

Croatia now await in just England’s third World Cup semi-final, with headers either side of half-time by Maguire and Alli securing a comfortable 2-0 quarter-final win against surprise package Sweden.

Tweet of the match

Moment of the match

After a nervy start from both sides, Leicester defender Maguire showed great composure and power to crash in a header from a corner on 30 minutes to give England a foothold.

England star man – Jordan Pickford

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford showed great reactions to help his side secure victory.

Despite England providing plenty of problems for the Sweden defence, goalkeeper Pickford had to produce a couple of saves from the top drawer to help see the Three Lions home. The Everton man continues to see his stature rise – and without the need for more penalty shoot-out heroics.